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Background: South African brambles (Rubus L., Rosaceae) represent a complex group of six native species and at least 12 introduced taxa with different ploidy levels and varying tendencies to hybridisation. The role of hybridisation, introgression and apomixis in the ongoing evolution has been hypothesised based on morphological observations, but it has not been rigorously studied to date, and nor has the phylogeny of the group. Objectives and methods: This paper aims to reveal the evolutionary patterns and mechanisms in South African brambles by employing three types of molecular markers: plastid and nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences, and nuclear microsatellites. Results: The data confirmed the tetraploid R. thaumasius A.Beek and diploid R. ludwigii Eckl. & Zeyh. as distinct native species, while the other four native species are shown to be closely related and likely derived from three ancestors. Conclusion: Ancient hybridisation and limited gene flow between regions (particularly between winter- and summer-rainfall zones) appear to be the main drivers of current patterns in the tetraploid R. pinnatus Willd. and hexaploid R. rigidus Sm. Current hybridisation is also likely, although rare. The mechanism of ‘octoploid bridge’ is proposed, which overcomes the ploidy reproduction barrier between R. pinnatus (or other tetraploids) and R. rigidus. No gene flow was detected between native and alien taxa, but clonal duplications were discovered in the R. bergii × pinnatus hybrid, which implies the possibility of apomictic spread of homoploid hybrids formed between native and introduced brambles and the potential for a new invasion. On the other hand, heteroploid hybrids (R. bergii × rigidus) are formed recurrently and spread only vegetatively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aspects of the nomenclature and classification of the subtribe Strumariinae are corrected and emended as follows: Hessea subgenus Myophila (Snijman) Snijman and Strumaria subgenus Carpolyza (Salisb.) Snijman are described, and Strumaria section Gemmaria (Salisb.) Snijman is validated; the correct author citations for several names in Strumaria that were invalidly published by Jacquin are established; and a complete infrageneric synopsis for the actinomorphic-flowered taxa of subtribe Strumariinae is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monotypic genus Bryomorphe Harv. is found to be homotypic with Klenzea lycopodioides Sch.Bip., which is considered to be a later synonym of Dolichothrix ericoides (Lam.) Hilliard & Burtt, and Bryomorphe is thus a synonym of Dolichothrix. The new genus Muscosomorphe J.C.Manning is proposed to accommodate the species previously included in Bryomorphe as B. aretioides (Turcz) Druce, along with the new combination M. aretioides (Turcz) J.C.Manning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorophytum boomense (Agavaceae), a local endemic from southern Namibia, is found to be morphologically indistinguishable from C. namaquense, which ranges from southern Namibia to central Namaqualand, and is consequently synonymised in that species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new combinations Colchicum burchellii (Baker) J.C.Manning & Vinn. and C. burchellii subsp. pulchrum (Schltr. & K.Krause) J.C.Manning & Vinn. are provided for the taxa currently known respectively under the names C. coloratum subsp. burchellii (Baker) J.C.Manning & Vinn. and C. coloratum J.C.Manning & Vinn., nom superfl. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ongoing systematic studies in the African flora periodically reveal the existence of undescribed species. Objectives To describe the new species. Method Relevant literature was surveyed, and herbarium and fresh material were examined. Results Collections of a Massonia (Hyacinthaceae) from the escarpment near Sutherland in Northern Cape with unique, softly hairy foliage represent an undescribed species. Conclusions Massonia villosa J.C.Manning is a new species distinguished by the small, markedly convex leaves with recurved apex and pilose adaxial surface covered with soft, shaggy hairs up to 7 mm long and slender flowers without marked sigmoid coiling of the tepals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Recent field work in the Baviaanskloof, Eastern Cape, resulted in several collections of an unknown species of Lithospermum (Boraginaceae), a genus that is taxonomically relatively poorly understood in southern Africa. Objectives To describe the Baviaanskloof collections and characterise them against currently known species of Lithospermum. Method Relevant literature was surveyed and herbarium and fresh material was examined. Results Recent collections of Lithospermum from the Baviaanskloof Mountains in Eastern Cape represent an undescribed species. Conclusion Lithospermum sylvestre J.Cohen & J.C.Manning is a new species recognised by its well-branched stems with adpressed-scabrid pubescence, and relatively long-tubed flowers with long styles that are ± as long as the corolla tube and only shortly included within it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ongoing systematic studies in the African flora necessitate periodic nomenclatural adjustments and corrections. Objectives To effect requisite nomenclatural changes. Method Relevant literature was surveyed and relevant material was examined. Results Nomenclatural adjustments are provided for recently described taxa of Hyacinthaceae subfamily Urgineoideae in order to accommodate them in the alternative classification system in use in South African herbaria. Conclusion A broadly circumscribed Drimia Jacq. has the advantages of nomenclatural stability and utility. The newly described segregate genera Austronea Mart.-Azorín et al. and Zingela N.R.Crouch et al. are formally included in Drimia , and A. densiflora Mart.-Azorín et al., A. hispidoplicata Mart.-Azorín et al. and A. pinguis Mart.-Azorín et al. are transferred to that genus as D. densiflora (Mart.-Azorín et al.) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt, D. hispidoplicata (Mart.-Azorín et al.) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt and D. pinguis (Mart.-Azorín et al.) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt, respectively, whereas A. grandiflora Mart.-Azorín et al. and A. linearis Mart.-Azorín et al. are treated as synonyms of D. vermiformis J.C.Manning & Goldblatt; A. olifanta Mart.-Azorín et al. is treated as a synonym of D. barkerae Oberm. ex J.C.Manning & Goldblatt; and A. papillosa Mart.-Azorín et al. and A. pygmaea (A.V. Duthie) Mart.-Azorín et al. are treated a synonyms of D. virens (Schltr.) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt. Zingela pooleyorum N.R.Crouch is considered to be conspecific with Urginea zambesiaca Baker, for which the new combination D. zambesiaca (Baker) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt is provided. The combination D. zebrina (Mart.-Azorín et al.) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt is provided for an allied species. Examination of recent collections of Ornithogalum toxicarium C.Archer & R.H.Archer confirms that it is actually a species of Drimia and it is accordingly transferred to that genus as D. toxicaria (C.Archer & R.H.Archer) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The correct author citations for several names in the genera Drimia (Hyacinthaceae) and Eriospermum (Ruscaceae) that were invalidly published by N.J. Jacquin are provided. The later validation dates for these names do not have implications for their nomenclatural priority. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ongoing systematic studies in the African flora necessitate periodic nomenclatural adjustments and corrections. Objectives: To effect requisite nomenclatural changes. Method: Relevant literature was surveyed and type material located and examined. Results: The combination Senecio sonchifolius (L.) J.C.Manning & Magoswana (2017), based on Othonna sonchifolia L., is an illegitimate later homonym for S. sonchifolius (L.) Moench (1802). Conclusions: The name Senecio cymbalarifolius (L.) Less. is the earliest legitimate name in Senecio for the taxon previously known as S. sonchifolius (L.) J.C.Manning & Magoswana, nom. illeg. On internal evidence, we conclude that S. sonchifolius (L.) Moench was intended as a combination based on Cacalia sonchifolia L. and that the citation of the basionym as Cineraria sonchifolia L. was an error. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ongoing systematic studies in the African flora necessitate periodic nomenclatural adjustments and corrections. Objectives: To effect requisite nomenclatural changes. Method: Relevant literature was surveyed and type material located and examined. Results: A nomenclatural correction is necessary in Othonna L. and Senecio L. (Asteraceae). Conclusions: Othonna sonchifolia L. is recognised as the earliest name for Senecio cymbalarifolius (L.) Less. and the new combination Senecio sonchifolius (L.) J.C. Manning & Magoswana is provided for the species. Othonna cymbalarifolia is lectotypified and Senecio hastifolius (L.) Less. is reinstated from synonymy as a species distinct from S. sonchifolius. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ongoing systematic studies in the African flora necessitate periodic nomenclatural adjustments and corrections. Objectives The objective of this study was to effect requisite nomenclatural changes. Method Relevant literature was consulted and type specimens were examined. Results One nomenclatural correction is required in Justicia L. (Acanthaceae). Conclusion The replacement name Justicia conferta J.C.Manning & Goldblatt is provided for the illegitimate homonym Justicia densiflora (Hochst.) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt, and the validity of the combination Justicia andromeda (Lindau) J.C.Manning & Goldblatt is clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The invalidly published name Massonia sect. Whiteheadia (Harv.) J.C.Manning is validated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ongoing systematic studies in the African flora necessitate periodic nomenclatural adjustments and corrections. Objectives: To effect requisite nomenclatural changes. Method: Relevant literature was surveyed and type material was located and examined. Results: A new combination is published in Dimorphotheca Mairia Vaill. ex Moench (Asteraceae). Nomenclatural adjustments are provided for five recently described species of Hyacinthaceae in order to accommodate them in alternative classification systems currently in use. Conclusions: The new combination Dimorphotheca pinnata var. brevis (Norl.) J.C.Manning is made for Osteospermum pinnatum var. breve Norl. Eliokarmos craibii Martínez-Azorín et al. and Nicipe rosulata Martínez-Azorín et al. are transferred to Ornithogalum as Ornithogalum craibii (Martínez-Azorín et al.) J.C.Manning and Ornithogalum rosulatum (Martínez-Azorín et al.) J.C.Manning, respectively; Stellarioides exigua Martínez-Azorín et al. and S. littoralis N.A.Crouch et al. are transferred to Albuca as Albuca exigua (Martínez-Azorín et al.) J.C.Manning and Albuca littoralis (N.A.Crouch et al.) J.C.Manning, respectively and the genus Desertia Martínez-Azorín et al. is included in Massonia with the new combination Massonia luteovirens (Martínez-Azorín et al.) J.C.Manning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Ongoing systematic studies in the African flora necessitate periodic nomenclatural adjustments and corrections. Objectives To effect requisite nomenclatural changes. Method Relevant literature was surveyed and requisite nomenclatural transfers provided. Results The new combination Sesamum byngianum Christenh. proposed for Josephinia africana Vatke is superfluous as an available synonym exists. Conclusions The new combination Sesamum rosaceum (Engl.) J.C. Manning & Magee is also provided for Josephinia africana Vatke. Three new sectional combinations are provided to accommodate the species previously placed in Ceratotheca Endl., Josephinia Vent. and Dicerocaryum Bojer in the current infrageneric classification of Sesamum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background While working towards a taxonomic revision of the genus Lasiosiphon (Thymelaeaceae), it became clear that the current application of the name Lasiosiphon microphyllus did not correspond to the identity of the type material. Objectives To effect the requisite nomenclatural changes. Method Herbarium specimens from NBG and PRE as well as the type collections of L. microphyllus and Lasiosiphon suavissimus were studied. Results Nomenclatural corrections are required for the taxa currently treated as L. microphyllus and L. suavissimus. Conclusions Lasiosiphon microphyllus is recognised as the earliest name for the tetramerous species currently known as L. suavissimus. Gnidia kuntzei is the earliest available name for the pentamerous taxon currently treated as L. microphyllus and the new combination Lasiosiphon kuntzei (Gilg.) R.Kolokoto & Magee is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A taxonomic revision is presented for the two geophytic species of Othonna L. (Asteraceae: Senecioneae: Othonninae) distinguished by a condensed caudex without evident internodes. These species are morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from the remaining geophytic species. This account includes descriptions, complete nomenclature and typification, illustrations and geographical distribution. We recognise the following two species: O. auriculifolia with radiate capitula and mature pappus 3–25 mm long, and O. taraxacoides (DC.) Sch. Bip. with disciform capitula and mature pappus 3–8 mm long. Both species are vegetatively variable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Othonna koos-bekkeri Van Jaarsv. is recognised as a synonym of O. cerarioides Magoswana & J.C.Manning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]